Factors that Dictate the Growth Rate of Elephant Ears, Surrounding Environment Plays a Vital Role. As a result, it would grow at a rate that was nearly or exactly the same as before the infestation. Reaching up to 6ft (1.8m) high this fast-growing plant grows from a bulb and, most commonly, bears its striking deep green foliage on jet black stems, each beautifully marked with deep purple veins and blotches. . How long does it take for Elephant Ears to grow full size? Large heart-shaped leaves make elephant ears colocasia, alocasia and xanthosoma an appealing choice as a focal plant or grouped together. Enjoy! Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Put a bowl of water and pebbles near your plants, typically in between several house plants that all need humidity. To dig the bulbs, use a garden fork or spade to carefully dig around the edges of the plant. Fertilize elephant's ear plants in the garden in spring, summer, and fall to support the large leaves using a water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer, following manufacturer's instructions. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. When it comes to reviving an elephant ear plant that has been overfed, the first step is to remove the excess fertilizers. To avoid complications, do not let the temperature drop below the latter. Last Updated: October 25, 2022 This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. . Gently sprinkle some seed starting mix on top of thatdo not fully cover with the soil mix. Megan Hughes has a passion for plants that drives her to stay on top of the latest garden advancements and time-tested ways of growing great plants. You can do this by using a humidifier, misting with a spray bottle, or surrounding your elephant ear plant with more plants. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The leaves contain oxalic acid which is toxic when eaten raw. Water the soil around the base of the plant rather than the leaves. After nighttime temperatures are above 50 degrees and daytime temperatures are below 40 degrees, you can choose a sunny location in your garden. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. During the winter, however, you can reduce the water and let them dry out completely. Dig down 2-3 feet (61-91 cm.) ", was or how to take care of it. Cut the stems well above the tubers to remove dying growth. Hey there!Figuring out which end of the elephant ear bulb to plant can be challenging. In this article, we will explore what kind of soil is best for growing Alocasia elephant ear plants. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. So now they are in the ground for 3-1/2 months and are about four feet tall. Its no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator. How to Revive Your Elephant Ears From Overfeeding Step one: Get Rid of The Fertilizer When it comes to reviving an elephant ear plant that has been overfed, the first step is to remove the excess fertilizers. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. At this point, you should think about changing your plants conditions. Dig a 6in (15cm) border around the bulbs. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. This article received 30 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. We would suggest homeowners be mindful of selecting this plant especially those living near a green belt area, a nature preserve or waterway. Preferably, soils that are rich in organic matter are ideal for elephant ears, says Brody. Tropical. The elephant ear bulb needs a slightly acidic pH of 6.5. Do not allow the plant to become too hot or too cold, as this can cause the roots to rot. Dig a hole so that the top of the bulb is 4 inches deeper than the soil line. Plant an elephant's ear bulb when the temperature ranges from 60F to 85F. Its best to leave the plant out for 3 to 4 weeks so that the roots can rejuvenate and not get stressed. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Alocasia amazonica is a tropical plant featuring large, leathery arrowhead leaves in olive green, bronze, or maroon. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. She has more than 25 years of experience in horticulture. Humidity Elephant ears love humid environments. Fill the pot to three quarters and plant a bulb with the nub end up and root disc down so the top is around 1in (2.5cm) deep. Which does not only burn the leaves and stems but also damages the plant on a molecular level. By using our site, you agree to our. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. These will warm the soil gently and promote not only faster sprouting but also healthy bulbs too. Make sure to provide the plant with a large enough pot that offers good drainage. The soil needs to have reached a temperature of 65F (18C). Pythium root disease, for example, is caused by a fungus that lies dormant in the soil. If youve fallen for these attention-grabbing tropical plants, youll want to be sure about how to plant elephant ear bulbs. If you don't plant them far enough apart, the elephant ears will steal sunlight and water from each other. As an alternative, they can be started indoors on a sunny windowsill. If you are impatient, you may want to add a lot of fertilizers to your elephant ear plant to speed up its growth. This plant often produces a clump of plants in a smaller space rather than running rampant. Trim it back to the ground once the foliage has turned brown in warmer regions. How Long Does It Take Elephant Ears to Grow from Bulbs? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Once the weather drops below 45 F (7 C) again, cut the plants back to just above the soil, and dig up the bulbs. Place your bulbs in a box or basket, and store in a cool, dry place at temperatures between 35 and 45F (2 - 7C). In prime conditions, the Elephant Ear grows relatively fast and can reach up to two feet in height. You can grow all three genera of elephant ears as annuals, but those hardy to colder temps can be kept through the winter season too. $10.49. This general-purpose mix contains 20% each of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote healthy foliage growth and strong roots. Sit them outside or bring them indoors. Care for them properly with frequent watering and fertilizing to watch them flourish. I water it twice daily, giving about a gallon each time. Indoor plants grow best when soil is allowed to dry out slightly before watering. Slow growing and 10 to 12 inches tall. Planting elephant ear bulbs indoors approximately eight weeks prior to the last frost date is also acceptable. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. To get a jump on the season, elephant ears can be planted indoors, 4 to 6 weeks before you plan to put them outside. Place them in a cool, humid location and reduce watering in winter. You can discard the leaves or keep them to wrap the bulbs in for storage. But only after leaching in it the previous pot, as this would greatly reduce the recovery time of your plant. It takes a, "Currently it is mid-winter in our northern Utah area, zone 4 - 5. For tips on maintaining you elephant ear plants by trimming the leaves and transplanting them, read on! This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Your elephant ear plant can concentrate on growing in the spring and summer rather than feeding dead veins and leaves. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Once you plant the bulbs, your elephant ears will take the first three weeks to grow roots. Although, as long as the plant has adequate water, they will tolerate a wide range of soil types. Bring the plants indoors when nighttime temperatures average about 55F and well before the first frost arrives. Huge leaves and bold vein patterns make elephant's ear easy to spot. For best results, keep the tubers in a room with a temperatures from 50 to 60F (10 to 16C). A larger plant will cover a smaller one, for example, so the leaves of the smaller plant can't get enough light. Elephant ear plants are less likely to come back a 100% from a fungal attack. ", clay soil is bad, and that shade can benefit the plant. Drooping leaves signal that the plant needs more water. The bulb needs a moist soil in order to grow properly. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The plants grow 4 to 8 feet in height and do well in Texas. Elephant ears are fast-growing perennial plants. Repotting - Lon & George's Elephant Ears plants come in 10" or 12" grow pots and only need to be repotted every few years if you notice the roots outgrowing the pot, or to refresh the soil and give it . Use a digging fork or spade to lift the corms gently out of the ground. There are various types of elephant ear plants such as colocasia and Alocasia. Some people grow them in water, but not all varieties do well that way. The elephant ear plant, like the Dahlia and Canna is easy to grow, and at the end of the growing season can be dug up, stored for the Winter, and replanted the following Spring. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Propagate-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Propagate-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Propagate-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1.jpg\/aid11751911-v4-728px-Propagate-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Remove soil from roots and separate bulbs. These ridges are usually slightly darker than the bulb itself, so they stand out. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Grow-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Grow-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid19529-v4-728px-Grow-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Bring the potted elephant ear plants indoors and grow them as houseplants through the winter. The best way to grow these plants is to buy the corms and plant them them in moist soil. [3] Growing elephant ear plants is simple, and we have got you covered when the time comes for planting elephant ears right here. Find out how to plant elephant ear bulbs to enjoy their dramatic foliage in your yard. As a result, the unpotted elephant ear plant will grow much taller and faster than the potted one. (Signs and Solutions). This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Elephant ears are heavy feeders and for best performance require organic fertilizers and rich organic soil with plenty of composted material. Elephant's ear can also be started from tuberous roots. ", while to see a shoot appear. You may use plastic storage boxes for this purpose. Thanks for the details on growth. If you swap the treatment, both types of elephant ear plants would underperform and most likely take time to fully mature. Elephant's ear is cold-hardy in USDA zones 1011. Then, bury some elephant ear bulbs 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) below the soil with the flat ends facing down, leaving about 3 feet (1 m) between each bulb. Press the soil around the plants and cover the top layer with inch of pea gravel to keep the soil in the pot. Because of the cold atmosphere, moisture escapes the soil much slower during the winter. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Symptoms such as the browning of your leaves or the presence of a whitish crust on the soil will be addressed. The soil will become too wet for the roots to handle if you maintain the same watering frequency throughout the year, even though the plant will be exposed to various reasons (such as hot summers, cold winters, and in-betweens). Planting Your Elephant Ear 1 Plant in the spring when nighttime temperatures are above 50 F (10 C). In the case of the elephant ear plant, it should be late summer or mid-winter. Last Updated: March 27, 2023 To avoid heavy transpiration from a dry atmosphere, your plants environment should mimic the tropics or rainforest to allow it to grow at its expected aggressively fast rate. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Well-drained, moist soil high in organic matter is ideal for elephant's ear. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). 'Diamond Head' performs best along the edge of a pond or submerged in a water feature. A younger elephant ear plant is also much easier to transplant. A corm or rhizome should be planted about 2 to. Elephant ears require a lot of water, especially when theyre first planted. A proportionate amount of water is required to maintain the elephant ear plants large leaves. Growing the plant in ponds is quite simple and since the pond ensures a consistent supply of water, you won't need to worry about that either. If growing outside in summer, plant in dappled or partial shade in moist soil, in a sheltered spot. It usually takes 3-8 weeks for elephant ears to sprout. If the pot is outside, water the plant every one to two days until it is established. More often than not, it is recommended that these plants are kept outside because of just how fast they can grow. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The tip of the tuber should face upwards. As far as the depth, you should still loosen up several inches below where you place your corm, but you'll want only 1-2 inches of soil covering the top of your elephant ear corm. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Depending on your preferences, elephant ears can be planted in the middle or at the edge of the pond. Because you can deal with an infestation at any time and restore your elephant ear plant to its former glory with little effort. Wait until after the first spring thaw to uncover them. three to eight weeks Elephant ears usually sprout three to eight weeks from planting. Because early and mid-summer are where most of the growing takes place. For best results, let the soil temperature rise to at least 65F (18C). In USDA zones 9 through 11, elephant ears thrive in tropical gardens in partial shade or full sun. Huge leaves and bold vein patterns make elephant's ear easy to spot. The Alocasias don't like wet roots. Zones 7-10. Plant elephant ear bulbs 2-4 feet apart. Plant the ear bulbs in a well-drained soil mix and allow them to grow until they reach a height of 2 to 3 feet. The Elephant Ear (Colocasia) is a tropical plant that grows up to 9 feet (2.7m) tall and sprouts large, arrow-shaped leaves that resemble the ears on an elephant. ", Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.gardeningchannel.com/when-to-plant-elephant-ear-bulbs/, https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/elephant-ear.html, https://www.epicgardening.com/elephant-ear-plant/.